Doors off first time dumb question

[Mlarv]

I am about to go take my doors off for the first time. I have a pretty simple question. I watched the Ford video, and it said I should have a helper. I don't.

I have the door bags to put them in and extra protection for the edge paint.

So I notice a handle on the bottom of the door to hang on to while removing.

Here is my question. Should I use the door bags to help remove them, or remove them and then place in the door bags?

Thanks

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[BlueBronco]

Put the door bags on first and then remove the doors. I image it would be a real pain to try and put the doors in the bags after they have been removed.

 

[xbobby7x]

Definitely door bags first. Slip em on like a pillow case and pull up. The only problem I ran into was the bag might get in the way putting back on. Had to pull the bag back a little so the bag didn't get in the way of the hinges.

 

[Mlarv]

Thanks that is what I figured, but didn't want to ASSUME.

 

[JimmyG]

Agree with both - put the bags on and use the straps to help you maneuver the door off. Set the door GENTLY on its side (stand it up). Zip up the bag and carry it to your storage area. I was nervous the first time too. You'll see there's nothing to it. Use the alignment guide/tool that comes with your bronco tool kit for re-installation. Cheers!

 

[ChrisB351]

I dont have bags for mine. My process is put windows down, flip mirrors out, install rubber door/fender edge protectors, unscrew the 2 hinge bolts reaching over the door and holding the outside handle while I pull the last bolt out, grab the handle at the bottom with my other hand and lift straight up and back very slowly not to scratch the paint. the doors are pretty bulky but overall not too heavy. I have some old foam packing material used for holding glass. Works great for the doors.

 

[Mlarv]

 

[Headsong]

You don't need a helper, at least on the 4 doors. DO put something on the ground under so that just in case.....and I hang them from the covers' handles, again with some padding under.

Getting them off is easy. Putting them back is where the trouble is, you must line up the door just as you took it off and wiggle it a bit while holding on! to get that thunk you want to seat into the top hinge....and then tighten that top bolt, tighten it again, and maybe again! If you hear it squeaking when you open the door, it's not tight enough.

 

[SubmarineNuke]

the door bags will make things soooooo much easier. 100% you should slide the door on before lifting.

There is a handle on the bag as mentioned and that will give you a lower hold for balancing.

 

[Kyukidoeric]

And... don't forget to unplug the wire harness, it will snag and feel like you broke it. And take out any knife/wallet clips out of your pockets. They will scratch the door panels easily
I don't have bags either. Best advise- know where you want to put them before you start. I made that mistake once, not fun. I feel the door handle will break off one day, but that grab handle at the bottom of the door is nice.

I dont have bags for mine. My process is put windows down, flip mirrors out, install rubber door/fender edge protectors, unscrew the 2 hinge bolts reaching over the door and holding the outside handle while I pull the last bolt out, grab the handle at the bottom with my other hand and lift straight up and back very slowly not to scratch the paint. the doors are pretty bulky but overall not too heavy. I have some old foam packing material used for holding glass. Works great for the doors.

 

[Tricky Mike]

I go so far as to stuff the bag between the fender and door as well so I'm not counting on just the rubber guards.

 

[ChrisB351]

And... don't forget to unplug the wire harness, it will snag and feel like you broke it. And take out any knife/wallet clips out of your pockets. They will scratch the door panels easily
I don't have bags either. Best advise- know where you want to put them before you start. I made that mistake once, not fun. I feel the door handle will break off one day, but that grab handle at the bottom of the door is nice.

oops forgot to unplug it in my steps

 

[Kyukidoeric]

oops forgot to unplug it in my steps

Yea, forgetting to roll down the windows and un plugging the harness, suck after you realize you forgot.

 

[DucatiExplorer]

Put the bags on first for sure. And don't do like I did make sure to put the edge protectors on. I forgot and unfortunately did a micro chip right on the edge. Barely noticeable but I know. So I bought a roll of edge protector and will use that on the entire edge instead of the two small pieces just to be safe. I will post pictures when I have it on to show the difference.

Putting them back on is the tricky part as mentioned above. I had no issues with the back ones and you can clearly see the hinges but I find for the front ones its a little harder to see so I actually had my niece help to align the doors onto the hinges as I held them up. If you have someone better at least the first couple times. Then you will get batter at it and may not need anyone.

The joy you get without doors and top though is awesome. So worth the little bit of trouble to do it.

 

[Denis]

Taking doors off without a helper, no problems
Putting doors back without a helper, different story
At least for me
Much easier to damage paint, chip it...when putting doors back

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